(Approx. 508 words)

The Phenomenon of Facebook - Part III
Love and Dating in the 21st Century
By Courtney Jewett, Member of Alamo PC, TX and a Senior English major at Baylor University is pursuing a career in Journalism
www.alamopc.org/
Courtney_Jewett(at)baylor.edu

Obtained from APCUG with the author's permission for publication by APCUG member groups.

Facebook is one of the most valuable tools in the dating world, and is today’s version of the little black book. 

Users of the social network can display their relationship status on their profile, along with the name of their significant other. This information is visible to their ‘Facebook friends’, and is simply a click away.

Like many single college students, I depend on Facebook to keep me informed in the social lives of those around me. It is useful, convenient, and makes survival in the dating world much easier.

Imagine that Bobby is interested in dating Susie. In the old days, poor Bobby would have to get to know all of Susie’s friends just to determine if she is available. Or worse, Bobby would have to ask her out and risk the embarrassing possibility that she is actually going steady with Charlie. 

Thanks to Facebook, Bobby can simply log on, and read on the News Feed section, next to a picture of a broken heart, that “Susie and Charlie have ended their relationship”. And then, our Bobby can make his move with newfound optimism and self-confidence. 

College students are using the site to learn more about potential dating partners, and to communicate with them in a low-stress environment. With Facebook, there is no need to endure 

awkward phone conversations in order to get to know someone.

Facebook even offers several ways to flirt with your Facebook friends, like sending virtual kisses and hugs. 

I often see groups of women gather around their laptop, discussing the profiles of a certain guy. Some users will visit the profile of their dream date repeatedly, in order to stay informed about what is happening in their life. 

While this may seem slightly fanatical, it certainly provides an easier approach to dating. Social networking sites like Facebook are providing clarification and information that is making finding love a little easier. 

My favorite aspect of the site is the fact that it seems to understand that some of our relationships are difficult to define. For these situations, it offers the “it’s complicated” option to explain your relationship status. 

Finally, Facebook is a great way to simply attract the attention of a certain someone. Displaying a more exciting facebook picture, or writing an interesting note is often enough to capture the interest of that individual.

Although dating will always bring with it much heartache and strife, Facebook is at least providing an advantage to its users. As it continues to expand the possibility for love, Facebook is bringing good news to single college students everywhere. 

This article has been provided to APCUG by the author solely for publication by APCUG member groups. All other uses require the permission of the author (see e-mail address above).